The log analysis of the Tefen battle by ＜Ringo＞ was complete.
“It is believed that some external factor caused a meaningful message or image to appear in the Ego Calculation Domain within the Brain Unit, which was then considered a high probability of hacking, and the system transitioned to Shutdown Mode.”
“Ego Calculation Domain…?”
She tilted her head at the unfamiliar term. However, it was only natural, as she didn’t have any particular knowledge of Brain Units.
“Yes, Ma’am.
It is the Neural Network area within the Brain Unit where the AI conducts thought activities referred to as consciousness or ego.
Since no Electromagnetic Waves have been detected, it is believed that some means undetectable to us was used to affect the Neural Network, sending a message or image.”
“….?”
Commander (Eve) continued to ponder for a while.
“Hmm… Is it something like telepathy or mind reading?”
“Yes, Ma’am. That is highly likely. Although the principle is unknown, the fact that the result could be observed as a scientific phenomenon is good news. If a similar phenomenon occurs next time, the transition to Shutdown Mode can be prevented to some extent.”
“I see. But even then, it’s only to some extent.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Being able to directly interfere with the Neural Network of the Brain Unit also means that the AI’s consciousness can be forcibly altered. Until we can implement Magic (Fantasy)-based defenses, we have no choice but to add a Jailer function.”
Magic (Fantasy) technology would require full-scale analysis.
If possible, she wanted to obtain a ＜Serket＞-type sample, but at least she didn’t want to lay a hand on Tefen. Unnecessary stimulation should be avoided.
That would mean kidnapping another ＜Serket＞ group or something.
“Those guys were doing something that looked like long-distance communication, weren’t they?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Carelessly laying a hand on them could invite unnecessary threats.”
If they made a move, it could be seen as an attack or invasion, and they would have to consider the possibility of becoming hostile.
It would be good if the long-distance communication was cut off by distance, but there was no way to confirm that.
“Hmm… On hold. On hold for now. For the time being, it’s all about oil.”
The oil extraction was progressing smoothly. The pumped-up oil was loaded onto Multi-Wheeled Articulated Transporters and transferred to tanks installed on the cargo ship. The cargo ship’s tanks would soon be full.
Since the oil refining plant at Fortress Two was still under construction, it was scheduled to be transported to ＜The Tree＞ as is.
The capacity of the first shipment was about a thousand tons.
Once the oil tanker was completed, this would increase to about 50,000 tons.
Just five or six round trips would secure about the same amount as the initial oil reserves at ＜The Tree＞.
“Resin is the foundation of civilization… We can make all the chemicals we want…”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Come to think of it, we can also make fertilizer, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We can synthesize chemical fertilizers using Ammonia as a raw material. It’s the method of reacting hydrogen and nitrogen using the Haber-Bosch process.”
“Hmm, I don’t understand! Well, I’ve heard of the Haber-Bosch process. We can do it here, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am.
We will deploy it as a Tech Tree.
Let’s develop a catalyst and build a plant that can efficiently produce Ammonia.
The construction site will be inside Fortress Two.
We will also need pipelines to other manufacturing facilities.
Let’s also expand the freshwater purification plant.
Yes, let’s add a plant offshore to recover rare metals and Deuterium, and extend the pipelines.”
＜Ringo＞ added facility construction plans to the map one after another. Commander (Eve) nodded and then tilted her head.
“We don’t have enough hydrogen?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Mass production of hydrogen requires methane gas, so-called natural gas, but it has not yet been discovered. However, we are currently drilling, and if the detection results are correct, we will reach the planned point in a few days.”
“I see. Oil fields and gas fields are usually a set… a set, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The possibility is high. The gas may be completely depleted, but basically, you can assume it’s nearby. It’s a very good oil field, we were lucky.”
Come to think of it, the next construction plan after the oil tanker was a gas carrier.
Ideally, it would be best to build the plant group around the Oil Port to minimize losses, but she was refraining from doing so because further development would likely reveal too much.
Besides, since the Threat Creature ＜Serket＞ had been discovered after all, she would have given up on developing it even if she had intended to.
“Large vessels will be manufactured at ＜The Tree＞ for the time being. On the Northern Continent coast, the risk of being spotted by other countries’ ships cannot be completely eliminated.
Aircraft, including the runway, will be produced at Fortress Two. Mass production of the Supersonic High-Altitude Reconnaissance Aircraft LRF-1 (Vulture) has made it possible to conduct reconnaissance of surrounding countries, but what do you think?”
“Hmm, well. Our forces are coming together… and the first of those cruisers, was there anything wrong with it?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We have been repeating navigation tests, but no major problems have been found so far. It can be put into service.”
“Still, the large ship dock is filled with tanker manufacturing. Well, it’s enough for now… We need to add more docks, so we’ll take care of that later. Even if we clash with some force, we should be able to manage.”
Currently, ＜The Tree＞’s naval power consists of 23 Alpha-Class Destroyers and one newly built Cruiser.
Combat submarines have not yet been developed. For now, ＜Ringo＞ estimated that there was no navy on the Northern Continent that could seriously clash with this naval power.
However, since most of the information was obtained from Telek Port City, there was a possibility that the capabilities of the warships possessed by each country had improved.
“Alright. Let’s proceed with reconnaissance of the Northern Continent. First, investigate the southern region. They may have anti-air capabilities, so if we’re going to do it, let’s do it with the determination to scan the entire region in one go.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Then, let’s mass-produce Vultures. We will set a course that allows them to enter the target area all at once from the southern sea area, exit to the north, and then make a U-turn.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll leave the planning to you.”
She casually passed it all to ＜Ringo＞ and began checking the Tech Tree, humming a tune.
◇◇◇◇
The survey fleet was on its way back.
Repeated storms and reefs lurking beneath the surface of the sea. Attacks by small Monsters, dwindling food supplies. Losing one ship after another, but they had achieved their purpose.
“Our navigators are excellent. Probably, in another month… at the latest, within two months, we will be able to return to the Stepping Fortress.”
The survey fleet, which had set sail with a total of nine ships, including three large ships, two Battleships, and four Cruisers, was now reduced to five.
The five remaining ships were also generally worn out, with damage visible everywhere. Still, the sight of them powerfully spreading their sails and advancing through the sea was reminiscent of seasoned veterans.
At least, they had obtained a Sea Chart of the Southern Continent. The routes in between were still unknown, but at least they had plotted the dangerous areas to some extent.
They were also able to obtain an overview and the actual item of an innovative technology called the pig’s tail (screw).
With this, the technology of ocean-going vessels should improve dramatically. Well, similar things may have been developed in their home country as well.
“We have lost many comrades, but we have brought back even more. Captain, one more month. We can’t afford to lose any more. I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me, Fleet Commander. Once we get to this area, it’s the sea we know well. I’ll show you the shortest route back.”
Their home country must be eagerly awaiting their return. They wanted to return quickly and convey these results as soon as possible.
However, the southern forces that the General was concerned about were not that much of a threat after all. Of course, there were differences in technology levels, but the Fleet Commander’s impression was that they were all much of a muchness.
In some areas, the level was higher, but in other areas, it was completely lacking.
Overall, the national power was not that different.
“But… that’s right. Now that we can see the end, let’s have a banquet soon. We can release the surplus alcohol and food. I want to make the crew realize that it’s just a little further.”
“That’s a good idea. Yes… for now, let’s say we can use three days’ worth of food and about a week’s worth of alcohol. If we splurge too much, it might逆に stir up anxiety.”
“A last supper, perhaps? I suppose a moderate amount of luxury would be more appreciated. Alright, I’ll leave the preparations to you. I’ll go inform the other captains.”